I have the set that runs from 2H to 8B. I have had these four months, and am no where near having to sharpen them, and i use them to at least 20 minutes a day most days. Not even close to breaking, blend well, and stay very sharp, even the softer/darker ones. I mostly use the 2H, F, HB (which is the most worn out), 3B, 6B, and 8B. I am very pleased with the tin case, which is hinged. I actually only look for art supplies in tin cases, as I keep my supplies in a briefcase, and cats will knock it over, and try to play with it. With out the case, one pounce from a 12 pound cat would probably break the pencils.

For toning and shading Jumbos are better because with a long point you can apply pressure past the point that would break a normal lead. Also they don't break easily like graphite sticks. And it is a joy to take a big handful, swing your arm and draw big. You touch up the point as with standard pencils but you need much less sharpening. I think they are actually quite economical in use. And I just love 'em!

Don't dismiss these big pencils as art supplies for a kid! Faber Castell 9000 Jumbo Pencils really are high-quality drawing pencils. I've been looking for professional drawing tools that I can use comfortably, despite the many problems I have with my hands and wrists. These pencils are comfortable to use and, in my view, they produce results equal to best-quality "regular size" pencils.And, if you prefer drawing large, these pencils are exactly what you need.